Month: February 2022

Official logo FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar printed on banner during training session on the eve of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualification at the Olympic stadium in Kyiv.FIFA drew a swift backlash from European nations for not immediately expelling Russia from World Cup qualifying on Sunday (Monday in Manila) and only ordering the country to play without its flag and anthem at neutral venues under the name of its federation — the Football Union of Russia.Protesting against FIFA's response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Poland said it would still refuse to play the country in a World Cup playoff semifinal, which is scheduled for March 24.Today's FIFA decision is totally unacceptable," Polish football federation president Cezary Kulesza tweeted. "We are not interested in participating ...

Jurgen Klopp the manager / head coach of Liverpool with the Carabao Cup Trophy during the Carabao Cup Final match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Wembley Stadium on February 27, 2022 in London, England.Jurgen Klopp spoke of his delight at being able to celebrate with Liverpool's fans at Wembley after calling for improvements to be made with VAR.The Reds beat Chelsea 11-10 on penalties after a goalless draw in the capital as they collected a record-setting ninth League Cup.Joel Matip had a goal controversially ruled out for an offside on Virgil van Dijk in the second half and while Klopp admitted he was yet to watch it back, he appeared to question the call from Everton's 1-0 defeat to Manchester City on Saturday when the hosts were contentiously denied a penalty for handball by Rodrigo.I ...

Troyes' French forward Yoann Touzghar (R) fights for the ball with Marseille's Brazilian forward Luis Henrique during the French L1 football match between ES Troyes AC and Olympique de Marseille at Stade de l'Aube in Troyes, north-eastern France, on February 27, 2022.Marseille have missed the chance to move three points clear in second place in Ligue 1 with a last-minute equaliser allowing Troyes to grab a 1-1 home draw.Striker Yoann Touzghar profited from poor Marseille defending to score after playmaker Dimitri Payet's penalty put Marseille ahead in the 28th minute.It was Payet's club-leading ninth league goal of the season.Second place guarantees entry into next season's Champions League with Marseille one point ahead of third-place of Nice.Defending champion Lille's improving defence k...

Kylian MBAPPE (psg) during the Ligue 1 Uber Eats match between Paris Saint Germain and Rennes at Parc des Princes on February 11, 2022 in Paris, France. Runaway league leaders Paris Saint-Germain have again relied on Kylian Mbappe as they rallied from a goal down to beat lowly Saint-Etienne 3-1.Mbappe has rescued PSG with late goals on numerous occasions this season, on Saturday he scored either side of halftime before providing the assist for midfielder Danilo to net at Parc des Princes.Record seven-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi set up Mbappe twice as the Frenchman tied Monaco's Wissam Ben Yedder on a league-leading 14 goals.Mbappe joined Zlatan Ibrahimovic on 156 goals for PSG -- equal second behind only the 200 scored by Edinson Cavani.The victory moved PSG 16 points clear o...